Hi Marie
Your Strongs definition - "marriage"
H5772 עונה ‛ônâh o-naw'
From an unused root apparently meaning to dwell together; (sexual) cohabitation: - duty of marriage".......This pretty much settles it for me. I appreciate the insight and think it will clarify and put to rest many issues raised in this thread.
HUSBANDSCol 3 : 19 ...love your wives, be affectionate and sympathetic with them and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful towards them.
Go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
Eph 5 : 28...nourish and carefullly protect and cherish them
1 Peter 3 : 7...live considerately with your wife, with an intelligent recognition of the marriage relation, honouring the woman as physically the weaker but realizing that you are joint heirs of the Grace, Gods unmerited favor of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off
otherwise you can not pray effectively
WIVESCol 3 : 28...be subject to your husband, subordinate and adapt as it is fit in the Lord. Understand and support your husbands by submitting to thein in ways that honour the Lord.
Prov 12 : 4 .,...Be a virtuous and worthy wife, earnest and strong in character...a crowning joy to her husband...
Eph 5 : 33...respect, notice, regard, honour, prefer, venerate, esteem, praise, love and admire your husband.
1 Peter 3 : 6....let nothing terrify you, not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you.
Husbands and Wives:1 Cor 11 : 3 In a marriage relationship, there is authority from Christ to husband, and from husband to wife. The authority of Christ is the authority of God. Any man who speaks with God or about God in a way that shows a lack of respect for the authority of Christ, dishonors Christ. In the same way, a wife who speaks with God in a way that shows a lack of respect for the authority of her husband, dishonors her husband. Worse, she dishonors herself - an ugly sight.
Realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God
.................
Peace to all marriages!
Arcturus